The Supreme Court has ruled against the preventive detention of Mulla Afroz under the National Security Act (NSA), imposing a fine of Rs 10 lakh on the Uttar Pradesh government for issuing what was deemed an illegal order. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday by a bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu.

The bench clarified that confessions made by an accused while in custody cannot solely serve as grounds for preventive detention under the NSA. This ruling led to the annulment of Afroz’s detention, marking a significant statement about the limitations of the NSA and the conditions under which it can be applied.

A detailed judgment outlining the court’s reasoning is expected to be released later, providing further insights into the decision-making process.

Background of the Sambhal Violence

The controversy surrounding Mulla Afroz revolves around his alleged involvement in violence that erupted in Sambhal in November 2024. The unrest reportedly stemmed from community objections to a survey conducted at the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid by officials from the district administration and the Archaeological Survey of India.

According to police reports, Afroz is accused of firing gunshots during the clashes, which resulted in the deaths of two individuals. This incident and the subsequent violence have been a point of contention and concern within the local community.

In response to the violence, the Uttar Pradesh Police invoked the NSA in October 2025, citing Afroz’s involvement in the communal disturbances that ultimately claimed four lives in total. The legal basis for such actions under the NSA, however, has been called into question by the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Implications of the NSA and Court Ruling

The National Security Act allows both the Centre and state governments to detain individuals to prevent actions considered “prejudicial to the defence of India”. Under the NSA, individuals can be detained for a maximum of twelve months, although the detention can be revoked earlier if justified.

The Supreme Court’s decision emphasises the limitations of the NSA and sets a precedent regarding the admissibility of evidence obtained during custody. It underscores the necessity for lawful procedures and the protection of individual rights in the application of such legislation.

As the Supreme Court prepares to release a comprehensive judgement detailing the rationale for its ruling, the case remains a pivotal moment in discussions concerning preventive detention laws and civil liberties in India.

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